Factors Influencing Clients’ Commitment to Sustainable Construction Practices

The success of every construction projects largely depends on the level of commitment of the clients. This study examined the factors influencing the level of clients’ commitment to sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. A questionnaire survey was use to collect data from the public and private construction clients on the level of influence of 16 factors extracted from the literature. A total of 182 valid questionnaires were used for analysis. The result revealed that nine factors with weighted average (W) 0.8≤W≤1 have a high level of influence, whereas seven factors with 0.6≤W≤0.8 have a high-medium level of influence on the clients’ commitment. However, the five most influential factors were: client knowledge and awareness, Cost implication and mechanism of financial involvement, economic value and return on investment, end-user/client perception and preference, and health and safety implications. The result further revealed that there is significant difference on how these factors influence the level of commitment of sustainable construction practices of the public and private clients. The study suggested that the disparity was due to the differences in the level of knowledge, awareness, involvement and commitment of the public and private clients to sustainable construction concept. Hence, it is important to optimize the level of knowledge and awareness of the clients, about the cost, benefits/profits, and health and safety implications of sustainable construction practices so as to promote the level of client’s commitment to sustainable construction practices. It recommended for adequate client involvement throughout the sustainable construction life cycle and a sustained awareness campaign, championed by relevant government agencies and professional organizations through different public programs so as to increase the clients’ commitment and desirability to demand for more sustainable construction projects.

The application of a new policy on recreational cannabis use in the Canadian military population

In October 2018, the Canadian federal government passed the Cannabis Act, making Canada the first G7 nation to legalize the possession and consumption of recreational cannabis nationwide. Given the potential health and safety implications, this makes it a pivotal time for both policy makers and researchers to understand the effects of cannabis use and the implications in the workplace. In response to legalization, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was one of the first major organizations to create a policy specifically targeting cannabis use for its military personnel, with directives outlining expectations for standards of conduct, and general and specific prohibitions relating to the possession and consumption of cannabis products. An important part of understanding the potential impact of cannabis use in the Canadian military and the suitability of the current policy is to first determine the proportion of CAF members that have consumed cannabis since its legalization. The first available data on this comes from the Recruit Health Questionnaire, a health and lifestyle survey completed by military recruits early in their basic training. 1,219 recruits completed the survey between October 2019 (exactly one year post-legalization) and February 2020 (88% response rate). Preliminary results suggest that one-third (34%) of recruits reported having consumed cannabis during the 12 months prior to starting basic training, and since the Cannabis Act came into effect. The vast majority (95%) of this group reported having consumed cannabis on more than one occasion. Given these large proportions, it is imperative that we continue to study the medical, behavioural, and cognitive effects of cannabis to understand if the current guidelines set out in the CAF policy on recreational cannabis use are adequate. Constant monitoring and, as necessary, updates to the policy, are essential to continue ensuring the safety of CAF members and the public, and an operationally ready force. Key messages Preliminary results suggest that one-third of Canadian Armed Forces recruits have consumed cannabis since its legalization, with 95% of this group having consumed it on more than one occasion. Given the potential health and safety implications, the Canadian Armed Forces policy on cannabis consumption must be constantly monitored and updated to ensure a safe and operationally ready force.

Our Nanotechnology Future

This book explores nanotechnology, a rapidly evolving and growing field with applications in a large number of areas. The concepts and physics are highlighted through topics such as nanoscience, quantum effects, nanostructures, and new forms of carbon. Applications and potential health and safety implications of nanomaterials are discussed for healthcare, food production, electronics, defence and more. Accessible and timely, this introduction to nanotechnology will interest students, teachers, politicians, and everyone else eager to learn more about this dynamic field.